Dinesh Chandra

BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday extended festive greetings and best wishes to the country's working people ahead of the International Workers' Day, which falls on Saturday. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, sent the greetings and wishes on behalf of the CPC Central Committee. The working people have risen to the challenges, working hard to overcome adverse circumstances such as the COVID-19 epidemic, thus contributing greatly to the development of the cause of the Party and the country, Xi said. He called on the working people to take the lead in devoting themselves with full confidence to the great cause of building China into a modern socialist country in all respects and realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. Xi urged the protection of the legitimate rights and interests of workers, and supporting and encouraging them to ac

BEIJING, Apr. 30 -- “The Japanese government recently published a diplomatic bluebook, playing up the so-called "China military threat", maliciously attacking and discrediting China and grossly interfering in China's internal affairs, which is extremely wrong and irresponsible. China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to this and has lodged solemn representations with Japan,” said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for China’ s Ministry of National Defense, on April 30. Recently, the Japanese government issued a diplomatic bluebook, saying that China's military rise is obvious and its military expenditure has increased substantially. China's military buildup and its activities in the East China Sea and South China Sea have aroused strong concerns among the international community including Japan.The blue book also identified Taiwan as an "extremely important partner." Senior Colonel Wu Qian responded by saying that China adheres to the

BEIJING, Apr. 30 -- “We’d like to express our deep condolences to the victims of the sunken Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala-402 and extend our sincere sympathies to the bereaved families,” said Senior Colonel Ren Guoqiang, spokesperson for China’ s Ministry of National Defense, in a written statement released on Friday. Ren said that, at the request of Indonesian government, the Chinese military has sent vessels to relevant waters of the Lombok Strait to assist Indonesia in rescuing the sunken KRI Nanggala-402 submarine. source http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/view/2021-04/30/content_10031044.htm

Guided-missile Frigate Zhaotong (Hull 555) SANYA, Apr. 30 -- The decommissioning ceremony for the guided-missile frigate Zhaotong (Hull 555) was held at a military port in Sanya on April 26. Independently designed and built by China, the Zhaotong (Hull 555) was commissioned to the PLA Navy in 1987 and had served for 34 years. After decommissioning, the ship will be handed over to Qingdao for national education. According to a naval base in the PLA Southern Theater Command, Frigate Zhaotong has performed a series of major training missions, covering a range of more than 230,000 nautical miles. It has experienced the baptism of super typhoons, witnessed the stormy waves of the Indian Ocean, and guarded the Xisha, Nansha Islands. A glimpse of the decommissioning and handover ceremony A glimpse of the decommissioning and handover ceremony source http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/view/2021-04/30/content_10030999.htm

By Mei Changwei BEIJING, Apr. 30 -- The Peacekeeping Affairs Center under China’s Ministry of National Defense and the Training Division of the UN Department of Peace Operations jointly held an online peacekeeping experience exchange meeting on April 29. Experts had in-depth exchanges on topics including difficulties and challenges in conducting peacekeeping training, improving training effectiveness, and supporting UN peacekeeping operations. UN peacekeeping operations are an important means of maintaining international peace and security. The Chinese military and police have participated in nearly 30 UN peacekeeping operations and dispatched more than 50,000 peacekeepers. At present, more than 2,500 Chinese peacekeepers are performing tasks in the UN headquarters and eight mission areas. China has become the second-largest contributor to both peacekeeping assessment and UN membership fees, and the largest troop-contributing country (TCC) among the permanent members of the UN Securi

By Liu Xin BEIJING, Apr. 30 -- The China Coast Guard (CCG), the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), and the Ministry of Public Security jointly issued the "Liangjian 2021" law enforcement action plan for the summer fishing moratorium. According to the plan, China’s coast guard forces at all levels, local fishery law enforcement agencies, and public security agencies will strengthen law enforcement and supervision of the summer fishing moratorium from May 1 to September 16. The annual fishing ban is an important measure to protect marine fishery resources and strengthen the development of marine eco-civilization. China's Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and waters north to 12 degrees north latitude of the South China Sea will enter the ocean summer fishing moratorium from May 1. CCG will work closely with competent departments to improve mechanisms for information notification, intelligence sharing, situation consultation, as well as law enforcement

BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to continue strengthening vaccine cooperation with Hungary, and firmly honors its promise of making vaccines a global public good, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday. Xi made the remarks in a telephone conversation with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Ever since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, the two countries and their people have been supporting each other, and carrying out sound cooperation in such areas as epidemic prevention and control as well as work and production resumption, which has seen important results. The two sides have especially worked closely together on vaccines, demonstrating high-level political mutual trust and a more resilient and dynamic bilateral relationship, Xi said. Xi stressed that China highly appreciates Hungary for its firm adherence to a friendly policy towards China, as well as significant contribution to advancing cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries

Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), answers reporters' questions at a regular press conference on April 29, 2021.   (The following English text of the press conference is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.) Question: April 23 marked the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, and the PLA Navy (PLAN) held a series of celebrations for its 72nd birthday. Could you give us more details on that? Answer: President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), attended the commissioning ceremony of three main battle warships of the PLA Navy and boarded the three vessels for inspection on April 23, 2021. PLA officers and soldiers were greatly inspired and invigorated. Besides, the PLAN organize

BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to work with Uzbekistan to push for constant development in their comprehensive strategic partnership and jointly pursue common development and rejuvenation, so as to benefit the people of the two countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday. In a phone conversation with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Xi said that standing at a new historical starting point, China is willing to build on past achievements and forge ahead into the future together with Uzbekistan. Xi pointed out that since last year, China-Uzbekistan relations have withstood the test of the COVID-19 epidemic, and the two sides have supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests, kept close coordination in international and regional affairs, and effectively safeguarded their common interests. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China as well as the 30th anniversary of Uzbekistan's inde

BEIJING, Apr. 29 -- “If the ‘Taiwan independence’ secessionist forces persist in their willful acts and even take the risk of desperation, we will take all necessary measures to resolutely crush their attempt for ‘Taiwan independence’ and safeguard China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity”, said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference in Beijing on April 29. Senior Colonel Wu made the remarks when responding to the media comments that the commissioning of a Type 075 amphibious assault ship to the PLA Navy is to make substantive preparation for "military reunification" of Taiwan. Wu stated that it is the common aspiration of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation to solve the Taiwan question and achieve the complete reunification of the country. “China’s position on the Taiwan question is consistent and clear. We adhere to the major principles and policies on works related to Ta

BEIJING, Apr. 29 -- Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense (MND), rebutted on Thursday the remarks made by Indian Chief of Defense Staff at the 6th Raisina Dialogue that China has tried to change the status quo in eastern “Ladakh” region, and India will stand firm on the northern borders and not succumb to China's coercive actions. Snr. Col. Wu responded at a regular press conference of the MND on April 29 that the relevant remarks by the Indian side are completely inconsistent with the facts. “Regarding the situations in the western section of the China-India boundary, China has explained the ins and outs in detail, and the responsibility does not lie with China,” he said. Wu said that thanks to the joint efforts of China and India, the border defense troops of both sides have recently disengaged from contact in the Galawan Valley and Lake Pangong, and the situation in the border area has eased on the whole. He added that earlier this month

BEIJING, Apr. 29 -- The Chinese military has recently applied a new APP to boost fresh food supply for troops stationed on the plateau, introduced Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference in Beijing on April 29. Snr. Col. Wu pointed out that the CMC Logistic Support Department, the PLA Army and the relevant competent state departments have carried out pilot projects on adopting centralized non-staple food raising for troops stationed in Lhasa, Shigatse and other areas of Tibet, aiming to address the difficulty of fresh food supply for troops stationed on the plateau and in alpine regions. “Based on the actual needs of the troops on the plateau, the military and civilian units have jointly developed an APP to cover more than 90 percent of the daily non-staple food needs of the service members on the plateau,” Wu stated. Wu introduced that officers and soldiers can now choose a variety of non-staple food including

BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday congratulated the successful launch of the core module of China's space station. On behalf of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission (CMC), Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the CMC, extended warm congratulations and sincere greetings to all members who have participated in the mission in a congratulatory message. Xi said in the message the successful launch of the core module Tianhe marks that China's space station construction has entered the full implementation stage, which lays a solid foundation for the follow-up tasks. source http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/view/2021-04/29/content_10030475.htm

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa (L) meets with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on April 28, 2021. (Photo by Li Xiaowei/Xinhua) COLOMBO, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka and China vowed here Wednesday to enhance pragmatic cooperation in all sectors between the two countries including the military. The pledge came after Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe. During the meeting, the Sri Lankan president, who is also the defense minister, thanked China for providing long-term and precious support to Sri Lanka and hoped to learn the governing experience from the Communist Party of China on poverty alleviation and rural revitalization, among others. Noting that Sri Lanka has prioritized developing the relations with China and firmly supported China's positions on issues concerning its co

BEIJING, April 27 (Xinhua) -- The marine law enforcement agencies of China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have conducted their first joint patrol of 2021 in waters tentatively designated by the China-ROK Fisheries Agreement. A fleet, comprised of one vessel each from the China Coast Guard (CCG) and its ROK counterpart, patrolled a distance of 715 nautical miles over a period of 105.5 hours between April 20 and 26, according to the CCG. During the patrol, which was based on the consensus reached at a China-ROK meeting on fisheries law enforcement in 2020, the two sides shared working information via radio and exchanged opinions on deepening cooperation. The fleet observed and recorded 172 fishing boats, and dealt with two fishing boats suspected of violating regulations. In the next step, the two sides will step up maritime law enforcement cooperation to jointly safeguard the fishing production order in the designated water areas, the CCG said. source http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/

UNITED NATIONS, April 27 (Xinhua) -- The Group of Friends on the Safety and Security of United Nations Peacekeepers was launched here on Tuesday, under the joint initiative of China, Brazil, Indonesia and Rwanda. The Group of Friends, which brings together 49 countries and regional organizations, provides a platform to strengthen information sharing, policy coordination, and capacity building so as to make substantive progress in enhancing the safety and security of UN peacekeepers, according to Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations. UN peacekeeping operations are a major instrument for maintaining international peace and security, and peacekeepers are valuable assets for international peace. Over the past 70 years, more than 3,000 peacekeepers from over 120 countries have lost their lives, Zhang said at the virtual launch ceremony. Threats of regional hot issues, ethnic conflicts, terrorism, and improvised explosive devices, together with COVID-19, a

BEIJING, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a message of condolences to the head of Chad's transitional military council (CMT) Mahamat Idriss Deby, over the death of Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno. In his message, Xi, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in his own name, expressed deep grief and extended sincere condolences to the Chadian government, people and the relatives of late President Deby. Xi pointed out that President Deby had led the Chadian people to safeguard the national sovereign security and territorial integrity, promote national economic and social development, and strive to maintain regional peace and stability. During his lifetime, President Deby had attached great importance to developing relations with China, actively promoted exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various fields, and made important contributions to promoting the development of friendly and cooperative relations between Chi

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday sent a message of condolences to Indonesian President Joko Widodo over the sinking of an Indonesian navy submarine recently. In his message, Xi said he is shocked to learn that an Indonesian navy submarine has sunk in the sea, leaving many crew members aboard dead. On behalf of the Chinese government and people as well as in his own name, Xi expressed deep condolences over the victims and extended sincere sympathies to the bereaved families. On Saturday, the Indonesian navy confirmed its missing submarine sank off the coast of Bali, leading to the death of 53 crew members. source http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/view/2021-04/28/content_10029898.htm

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks to people of different ethnic groups who are participating in festive activities outside the Anthropology Museum of Guangxi in the city of Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 27, 2021. Xi made an inspection trip to south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from April 25 to April 27. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)   NANNING, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for more efforts to break new ground in promoting high-quality development in ethnic border regions. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection trip to south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from Sunday to Tuesday. Xi called on these regions to better serve and integrate into the

By Yang Jin and Yang Songsong BEIJING, Apr. 27 -- Recently, according to Liang Chengming, an officer assigned to the air force under the PLA Western Theater Command (WTC), more than ten air defense units from the PLA Army have been integrated into the chain of command of the air force under the PLA WTC. The Army's air defense troops are flexible in deployment and outstanding in terminal resistance, while the Air Force's ground-based air defense troops feature extensive firepower coverage and strong mid-to-high altitude defense capabilities. In the past, it's hard for the two different services of the PLA to form a united air defense network. For some time, in order to improve the integrated joint operations capabilities, the air force under the PLA Western Theater Command organized its professionals from the air defense, radar and communications troops to work with the counterparts from the PLA Army to unify the information interfaces and formulate relevant standards, so

By Ding Wendong and Liu Pan BEIRUT, Apr. 27 -- The 19th Chinese peacekeeping multi-functional engineer contingent to Lebanon successfully passed the 2021 annual defense capability assessment conducted by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on April 26. The defense capability assessment, an annual routine inspection and assessment of peacekeeping forces conducted by the UN, serves to provide a key budget reference for the defense capability building of the peacekeeping forces from various countries. This assessment was carried out by a team of 12 officials of the UN Evaluation Group (UNEG) under the UNIFIL Command in the Chinese peacekeeping camp located in the Hinnieh village of south Lebanese. In accordance with UN general criterion, they inspected the troops through listening to briefings, consulting software materials, on-site inspections, and oral questions & answers. After nearly four-hour rigorous inspection, the UNEG spoke highly of the contingent’s soph

BEIJING, Apr. 26 -- The draft law on protecting the status, rights and interests of military personnel is to be reviewed on the 28th session of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing from April 26 to 29. The draft clearly states that the honor and reputation of military personnel are protected by law. The honors obtained by military personnel shall be life-long and must not be revoked except for statutory reasons or through statutory procedures. No organization or individual may in any way slander or derogate the honor of military personnel, insult or slander their reputation, or intentionally damage or desecrate their honorary plaques. Besides，the draft also proposed that anyone who infringes on the legitimate rights and interests of military personnel in violating the provisions of this law, and causes property loss or other damages, as a result, must bear civil liabilities in accordance with law; wherever a violation of public security managem

KUNMING, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Law-enforcement authorities from China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand joined forces Tuesday for the 104th Mekong River joint patrol. Four Chinese vessels departed from Jingha Port in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Yunnan Province for the patrol. Law-enforcement officers from the four countries plan to navigate over 600 km of the river over four days and three nights to strengthen patrols of pivotal waters of the Mekong River. The Mekong River, known as the Lancang River in China, is a vital waterway for cross-border shipping. China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand have been carrying out joint patrols on the Mekong River since December 2011.   source http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/view/2021-04/27/content_10029749.htm

DHAKA, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh's President Abdul Hamid on Tuesday met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe here and the two sides agreed to advance the bilateral military cooperation. During the meeting, Hamid said Bangladesh and China are time tested friends and reliable strategic cooperation partners, adding that his country attaches great importance to its relations with China and firmly supports the core interests of China. The Bangladesh president called on both countries to strengthen coordination in international affairs and be committed to safeguarding regional peace, stability, prosperity and development. Hamid said he hopes the two militaries will continue to strengthen their practical cooperation in various fields, pushing for greater progress in their relations. He also expressed gratitude for China's strong support for his country in its development of economy and national defense. Wei said during the meetin

By Cheng Kai BEIJING, Apr. 26 -- According to the official WeChat account of the China Coast Guard (CCG), the CCG 2301 fleet patrolled the territorial waters off China’s Diaoyu Islands on April 26, 2021. According to a report from Kyodo News, four CCG vessels sailed into the waters off the Diaoyu Islands in succession starting from 10:15 am on April 25 and sailed out at 11:45 am. This marks the second patrol since the last one on April 13 and also the 15th time that the CCG vessels have appeared in the waters surrounding the Diaoyu Islands this year as detected by Japan. In all, the CCG’s law-enforcement ships have been spotted near the Diaoyu Islands and the adjacent waters for 72 consecutive days. Since the implementation of the Coast Guard Law of the People’s Republic of China on February 1, 2012, the Japanese media have repeatedly hyped up the CCG vessels’ normal cruise to the waters off the Diaoyu Islands, reinforcing the so-called “China threat” theory. However, China’s State

BEIJING, April 26 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of State Security on Monday issued regulations on counter-espionage security work, which take effect upon promulgation. Overseas espionage and intelligence agencies and hostile forces have intensified infiltration into China, and broadened their tactics of stealing secrets in various ways and in more fields, which poses a serious threat to China's national security and interests, according to a senior official with the ministry. The regulations are formulated to ensure specific duties of various authorities and entities in preventing espionage activities are performed and to enhance the capacity of society, especially core areas, in ensuring state security, the official said. State security organs should work with relevant departments to formulate and regularly adjust the list of key units with crucial responsibilities to guard against espionage acts, according to the regulations. The document noted that Party and state organs,

HANOI, April 26 (Xinhua) -- General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Monday respectively met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi. Extending congratulations on China's success in fighting COVID-19 and achieving economic development, Trong called on the two countries to maintain and promote their traditional friendship, and advance the relationship between the two militaries of the two countries. Regarding the issue on the South China Sea, Trong said the two countries should properly handle the issue based on mutual trust and respect, and prevent any related negative effect on bilateral relations. In his remarks, Phuc said Vietnam firmly upholds the one-China principle and opposes any forces' interference in China's internal affairs. Vietnam will stay on guard against and firmly resist any schemes to under

BEIJING, April 26 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Natural Resources on Monday published a landform survey report on the Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands. Based on historical data, the survey obtained new terrain data of the Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands, as well as the terrain data of waters 30 meters or less in depth, using technology such as satellite remote sensing. The report also made large-scale topographical thematic maps of the Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands, improving basic geographic data of the area. The survey is of great significance to the resource management and ecological environment protection of the Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands, according to the report.   source http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/view/2021-04/26/content_10029302.htm